Zvezda to build five gas-powered aframaxes

Sovcomflot, Rosneft, the State Transport Leasing Company (STLC), and Zvezda Shipbuilding Complex have signed agreements to build five gas-powered aframax tankers.

The 114,000 dwt ice class vessels will be built by Zvezda jointly with South Korea’s Hyundai Heavy Industries and will deliver from 2021 and mark a big jump up the technology ladder for Russian shipbuilding.

Sovcomflot will operate all the tankers.

Sergey Frank, president and CEO of the Russian line, said: “We welcome the commitment of Zvezda to a project that exceeds the highest technical requirements of the market. We hope that the beginning of serial production of cutting-edge large-capacity LNG-fuelled tankers in Russia will facilitate the further development of Russia’s port infrastructure that will allow ships to be bunkered with LNG fuel at Russian ports. We are also looking forward to seeing Russian regulators and maritime authorities continue with providing incentives for charterers, shipowners, and fleet operators who are taking real steps towards investing in green technologies.”

Starting out with the Informa Group in 2000 in Hong Kong, Sam Chambers became editor of Maritime Asia magazine as well as East Asia Editor for the world’s oldest newspaper, Lloyd’s List. In 2005 he pursued a freelance career and wrote for a variety of titles including taking on the role of Asia Editor at Seatrade magazine and China correspondent for Supply Chain Asia. His work has also appeared in The Economist, The New York Times, The Sunday Times and The International Herald Tribune.